Literary Concepts Flashcard

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What is a primary source?

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A primary source is an original document or firsthand account from a specific time period, such as a diary, letter, or photograph.

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What does 'mood' mean in literature?

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Mood refers to the emotional atmosphere of a story, which influences how the reader feels.

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What is an idiom?

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An idiom is a phrase or expression that has a figurative meaning different from its literal meaning, such as 'It's raining cats and dogs'.

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What is the purpose of a thesis statement in an essay?

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A thesis statement presents the main argument or claim of the essay, guiding the direction of the writing.

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What is alliteration?

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Alliteration is the repetition of the same initial consonant sound in a series of words, such as in 'Peter Piper picked a peck of pickled peppers'.

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What is a secondary source?

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A secondary source interprets or analyzes primary sources, such as textbooks or articles that discuss historical events.

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What is a metaphor?

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A metaphor is a figure of speech that makes a comparison between two unlike things without using 'like' or 'as', such as 'Time is a thief'.

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What is a simile?

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A simile is a figure of speech that compares two different things using 'like' or 'as', such as 'as brave as a lion'.

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What is the theme of a story?

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The theme is the central idea or underlying message of a literary work, often reflecting on human nature or society.

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What is foreshadowing?

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Foreshadowing is a literary device used to give an indication or hint of what is to come later in the story.